I’ll add. That I think turnovers are the most important aspect of winning defense in the NFL.
Forcing turnovers is king. Especially if you have a good offense. The most possessions you give your offense, the better field position you give them, the more points they are going to score.
If your team scores more points, it makes the opposing offense more one dimensional. And makes it easier to stop them or force even more
Turnovers.
Nolan has a history of coaching defenses that force turnovers.
Your defense can win a championship, if they give up yards and some points. As long as they are forcing turnovers and helping your offense score even more points.
Here's the thing: Rod Marinelli's last 3 years at DC in Chicago, his defense produced 31, 29, and 32 turnovers respectively. He came here and the Defense forced very few turnovers
You could argue that Wade Phillips has been one of THE best DC's over the last 4 decades in the NFL. While his defenses here had some moments, they never carried the day.
Mike Zimmer is highly respected for both motivation and scheme for post Dallas stops in Cincy and as the head man in Minny. He was run out of town in Dallas.
I'd point to the one common denominator in Dallas, but at this point its beating a dead Jerry.